Looking at electronic screens for more than 8 hours a day increases the risk of developing severe dry eye disease by 14%
Modern urban dwellers rely heavily on electronic products in their daily lives, with prolonged use of mobile phones, computers, and other devices becoming the norm. A recent survey on this phenomenon, interviewing approximately 2,700 citizens, revealed that 30% of respondents suffer from [a condition/illness].Severe dry eye syndromeAmong those affected, white-collar workers accounted for a staggering 76%, a worryingly high prevalence. Even more concerning is the significant trend of dry eye disease affecting younger people. In response, doctors have issued a special reminder that...Dry eye discomfortNot all eye drops can effectively relieve symptoms. It is recommended to choose preservative-free artificial tears first to avoid eye sensitivity caused by preservative ingredients and better protect eye health.
This survey, conducted last month by Orbis in conjunction with the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society and the Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Blindness, collected data through an online questionnaire and allowed respondents to conduct self-assessment using the OSDI Dry Eye Index test. The final results showed that, in addition to 30% of respondents being diagnosed with severe dry eye syndrome, with white-collar workers being the main high-risk group, what is even more alarming is that 80% of these severe dry eye patients had never sought medical attention for their dry eye problems. This data reflects a lack of awareness about dry eye syndrome among the public, with many underestimating the potential impact of this eye problem on eye health and often only realizing its severity when symptoms worsen.
The survey further analyzed the link between electronic product use and dry eye syndrome, finding that 60% of respondents had a habit of prolonged electronic product use, averaging more than 8 hours per day. Comparative data showed that people who used electronic screens for more than 8 hours a day were 14% more likely to experience severe dry eye symptoms than those who used them for less than 2 hours a day. This demonstrates that prolonged screen time has become a significant factor in inducing and aggravating dry eye syndrome.
Dr. Li Wanwei, an honorary ophthalmologist at Orbis and also the honorary secretary of the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society, pointed out that while dry eye syndrome patients were previously concentrated in people over 40, the results of this survey show that the age of onset is gradually decreasing, with a significant trend towards younger patients. "Among the respondents aged 18 to 29, 40% discovered they had severe dry eye syndrome through self-testing, a proportion that exceeded expectations," Dr. Li said. She also mentioned that many people habitually use eye drops to relieve dry eye discomfort, but it must be clear that not every type of eye drop is suitable for long-term or targeted use for dry eye syndrome. She recommends prioritizing preservative-free artificial tears when choosing eye drops, as these products are not only effective...Soothe dry eyesIt also avoids the irritation and sensitivity caused by preservatives to the eyes, making it more suitable for people who need long-term eye care.
